Thirty-seven drought-affected communities across Australia are sharing $1,221,170 in grant funding as part of the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) program.

“Despite the considerable pressures of the drought, communities are rallying and looking for ways to bring people together both from within their community and from outside, with several grants awarded for event-based projects,” explained Natalie Egleton, FRRR CEO.

In addition to the environmental effects of The Big Dry, the impact of the drought in small rural and regional economies and on people’s wellbeing is equally as devastating – something these TTTT grants will assist in alleviating.

During these tough times, funds for the basics like social events, school excursions and something as simple as a haircut is not available, which can lead to isolation and poorer mental health.

“It’s encouraging to see communities looking for ways to maintain their connectedness and continue to celebrate their towns during these dry times. FRRR is really pleased to assist them in bolstering these events, which create a very positive impact, be it through diversifying the local economy, or improving social wellbeing,” says Egleton.

In many communities, tourism offers a significant economic lifeline during drought. Several grants in this announcement will go towards improvements to facilities and events that attract tourists, providing an economic boost to rural communities and small business during this period of reduced spending by the local agricultural sector.

Volunteers and communities are experiencing fatigue from fundraising, and local businesses are also impacted, unable to extend their support to provide sponsorship and support to local events.

“Community groups are a vital part of the social and economic fabric of these towns and investing in their sustainability will benefit the whole community. So, we’re pleased to be able to inject a small amount of funds towards improving amenities and organisational capacity that make the role of the volunteer easier and more efficient,” says Egleton.

Around a third of applications were from communities of less than 500 people, while demand for grants was highest in communities of fewer than 5,000 people.

Some of the 37 projects awarded this round include the project Pulling it all Together from Brewarrina Aboriginal Corporation in NSW receiving $149,708, Enhancing the Rainbow on the Plains Festival from Hay Mardi Gras Incorporated in NSW receiving $46,075, Longreach School of Distance Education (SODE) Home Tutor Workshop 2020 from Longreach SODE P&C Association in QLD receiving $12,500, Reviving Community Spirit in Wanaaring from Wanaaring Rodeo and Gymkhana Club Incorporated in NSW receiving $16,000, and Audio-Visual Upgrade from Birchip Community Leisure Centre in VIC  receiving $20,000.

Tackling Tough Times Together is possible with support of more than 15 donors, including the Australian Government which committed $15M to be distributed over three years.

Contributions have also been made by ANZ, Australia Post, NRMA, Pratt Foundation, REX Airlines, Ronald Geoffrey Arnott Foundation, Santos, Sidney Myer Fund, Stockland CARE Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation, The Snow Foundation, Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, Westpac Group, Henroth Group and private donors from across the nation.

Applications for this program are always open and groups in drought-affected areas are encouraged to apply for funding to help their community come together to tackle the drought. The next cut-off dates for applications are 24 October 2019 and 25 February 2020. EOIs for the $150,000 tier must be received by 12 December 2019.